Glen Cove And S.A.F.E. Host ‘Shed The Meds’ Collection

The challenge of managing drug abuse on Long Island is top-of-mind each day as news headlines share the sad stories of people losing family members to substance abuse. As part of an important line of defense in a community’s war on drugs, the City of Glen Cove, S.A.F.E. (Substance Abuse Free Environment), Glen Cove Police Department, EMS and the Downtown B.I.D. (Business Improvement District) will host their spring Shed the Meds event on Saturday, May 21, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Glen Cove Police Department parking lot, 1 Bridge St.

“Last year we collected well over 500 pounds of prescription drugs (unused, unwanted or expired), medical sharps and waste,” said Mayor Reggie Spinello. “This program, like banning hookah bars within our city, is about promoting wellness in Glen Cove.”

“Prescription and illegal drugs continue to take a devastating toll on many Long Island communities,” said Dr. Sharon Harris, S.A.F.E. executive director. “Our bi-annual Shed the Meds drug reclamation program helps residents properly dispose of RX medications and medical supplies that are no long needed or have expired and is one of the many tactics we use to tackle drug abuse in our city.”

The safe disposal of unused and expired drugs supports the need to eliminate the risk of these drugs getting into the hands of children. This is of critical importance to S.A.F.E., added Harris.

At the event, Glen Cove residents can also learn about the new pharmacy take back laws.